AIM: To assess the effectiveness of selective laser trabeculoplasty(SLT)in the treatment of primary open angle glaucoma(POAG).METHODS:Totally 24 patients(33 eyes)with POAG who had poor control of intraocular pressure(IOP)from June 2022 to December 2023 were included in this retrospective study, and all of them were treated with SLT. Furthermore, the IOP, mean deviation(MD), mean sensitivity(MS), and the thickness and vascular density(VD)of optic disc nerve layer were compared after treatment. RESULTS: There were significant reducion in IOP at 1, 3, 6, 12 mo after treatment(all P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in MD and MS before treatment and at 6 and 12 mo after treatment(all P>0.05), and there were no statistical significant differences in the thickness and VD of optic disc(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION: SLT can significantly reduce IOP in POAG patients in the short term, without damaging the visual field and optic disc nerves, while the effectiveness of SLT decreases over time.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Objective:To investigate the status of allostatic load (AL) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its influence on the clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.Methods:This was a prospective study. By using convenient sampling method, 421 patients with PCOS (PCOS group) and 372 control infertility patients (control group) in the Reproductive Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from April 2022 to January 2024 were investigated for basic information, physical examination, laboratory examination and follow-up of clinical outcomes. The total score of AL was calculated using 16 related indicators of cardiovascular system, metabolic system and immune system, and AL>3 was used as the judgment criteria for the high level AL group and the low level AL group. The differences in general data, embryo development and clinical outcomes between the groups were compared.Results:There were 222 cases (52.7%, 222/421) in PCOS low level AL group and 199 cases (47.3%, 199/421) in PCOS high level AL group. There were 214 patients (57.5%, 214/372) in the control low level AL group and 158 patients (42.5%, 158/372) in the control high level AL group. Embryo development outcomes: number of oocytes retrieved (median: 12, 12, 19, 14, respectively; P<0.001), number of two pronuclei (median: 8, 7, 11, 8, respectively; P<0.001), number of fertilization (median: 9, 9, 13, 10, respectively; P<0.001), number of metaphase of meiosis Ⅱ oocytes (median: 9, 8, 13, 10, respectively; P<0.001), number of transferable embryos (median: 5, 5, 7, 6, respectively; P<0.001), number of high-quality embryos (median: 4, 3, 6, 5, respectively; P<0.001), gonadotropin(Gn) starting dosage (median: 150, 200, 150, 200 U, respectively; P<0.001), total dosage of Gn (median: 1 800, 2 075, 1 575, 2 025 U, respectively; P<0.001), duration of Gn used (median: 10, 10, 10, 10 days, respectively; P=0.027) in the control low level AL group, control high level AL group, PCOS low level AL group and PCOS high level AL group were significantly different. Pairings between groups showed that number of oocytes retrieved, number of two pronuclei, number of fertilization, number of metaphase of meiosis Ⅱ oocytes and number of transferable embryos in PCOS high level AL group were lower than those in PCOS low level AL group (all P<0.05); Gn starting dosage and total dosage of Gn in PCOS low level AL group were lower than those in the other three groups (all P<0.05); duration of Gn used in PCOS high level AL group was higher than that PCOS low level AL group ( P<0.05). Clinical outcomes: the control low level AL group, control high level AL group, PCOS low level AL group and PCOS high level AL group underwent fresh transplantation [27.4% (57/208), 24.4% (38/156), 15.1% (32/212), 17.1% (33/193), respectively; P=0.006] and the proportion of transplanted day 5 embryos [82.7% (172/208), 77.6% (121/156), 91.0% (193/212), 86.5% (167/193), respectively; P=0.018] were statistically significant. There were no significant differences in fertilization rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate and early abortion rate among the four groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The high level of AL in PCOS patients may affect the outcomes of embryo development, and more attention should be paid to AL in PCOS patients to reduce stress.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common chronic disease in women of childbearing age, which mainly threatens women's reproductive health and metabolism. Globally, 5%-20% of women of childbearing age are affected, depending on the diagnostic criteria. There is currently no effective treatment, so early and long-term management is crucial. International evidence-based guidelines for the assessment and management of PCOS recommend lifestyle interventions, such as exercise alone or a variety of diets combined with exercise and behavioral strategies, as first-line management options for women with PCOS to improve metabolic health. This review summarizes the new progress in the application of lifestyle interventions in PCOS patients from different dietary patterns, exercise interventions and action management in order to improve the attention of medical staff in China to the female population of PCOS and provide technical reference for the future application in the health management practice of PCOS patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the potential relationships of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) with periodontal clinical indicators and the expression of DNA receptor pathway cyclic guanosine phosphate-adenosine phosphate synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in gingival tissues and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). METHODS: GCF and gingival tissue samples were collected from periodontally healthy individuals and patients diagnosed with periodontitis. Periodontal clinical indicators were recorded, including plaque index (PLT), bleeding index (BI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). The concentration of cfDNA in GCF was quantified, and the correlation between GCF and periodontal clinical indicators was analyzed. Immunofluorescence and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to assess the distribution of cGAS, STING, and p-STING in gingival tissues. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of the key components of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, namely, cGAS, STING, inhibitory of kappa-B kinase (IKK), nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (NF-κB p65), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were measured. Furthermore, cfDNA extracted from GCF was employed to stimulate HGFs in the healthy control and periodontitis groups, and the mRNA expression levels of the key molecules of cGAS-STING signaling pathway were detected through Western blot and RT-qPCR. RESULTS: The concentration of cfDNA in GCF was found to be significantly elevated in the periodontitis group compared with the control group. Moreover, cfDNA concentration demonstrated a strong positive correlation with the periodontal clinical indicators. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed considerably increased percentage of fluorescence co-localization of cGAS, STING, and p-STING with the gingival fibroblast FSP-1 marker in the gingival tissues of the periodontitis group. The mRNA expression levels of cGAS, STING, IKK, NF-κB p65, IL-1β, IL-6,and TNF-α were significantly higher in the periodontitis group. In vitro stimulation of HGFs with GCF-derived cfDNA resulted in increased protein expression of cGAS and p-STING and considerably upregulated the mRNA expression levels of cGAS, STING, IKK, NF-κB p65, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the healthy and periodontitis groups compared with the blank group. Correlation analysis showed that the concentration of cfDNA at the sampling site was positively correlated with the mRNA expression levels of cGAS, STING, NF-κB p65, and IL-6 in gingival tissues. CONCLUSIONS cfDNA concentrations in the GCF of patients with periodontitis are considerably elevated, and are associated with the activation of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in HGFs. These findings suggest that cfDNA contributes to the progression of periodontitis.
Humans ; Gingival Crevicular Fluid/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction ; Gingiva/cytology* ; Nucleotidyltransferases/genetics* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Cell-Free Nucleic Acids/analysis* ; Fibroblasts/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Periodontitis/metabolism* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Adult ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism* ; Male ; Female

Objective:To investigate the short-term and long-term effects of competency-oriented BOPPPS combined with scenario simulation teaching model on team emergency rescue skills training for healthcare professionals in Xizang.Methods:Forty-four healthcare professionals who participated in team emergency rescue training at Bianba People's Hospital from May 2022 to May 2023 were selected as study subjects. The BOPPPS combined with scenario simulation teaching model was applied in the clinical teaching of acute myocardial infarction. Before the training, the post competency was assessed using the Self-Directed Learning Instrument. The short-term teaching effects were evaluated using skill assessment and questionnaire after the training, and the long-term teaching effects were evaluated using the same questionnaire after six months.Results:Post-training skill assessment scores of the trainees were (50.45±6.68) for skill operation, (7.80±0.97) for humanistic communication, and (16.28±1.52) for team cooperation, which were significantly higher than pre-training scores ( P<0.05). Among self-directed learning abilities, "I enjoy finding answers to questions" was positively correlated with the humanistic communication scores, and "I can connect new knowledge with my personal experiences" was negatively correlated with skill operation scores ( P<0.05). The score of long-term emergency rescue skill improvement (4.27) was significantly higher than that after the training in the short term (3.98) ( P<0.05), while there were no significant decreases in career confidence and team collaboration ability ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The post competency-oriented BOPPPS combined with scenario simulation teaching model contributes to improving the team emergency rescue skills of healthcare professionals in Xizang, stabilizing their career confidence, and stimulating their self-learning ability. It is suitable to promote this teaching model in the clinical skills training of healthcare professionals in Xizang.

Objective:To evaluate the role of interferon gene stimulator/long-chain ester acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (STING/ACSL4) signaling pathway in alleviation of oxygen-glucose deprivation and restoration (OGD/R)-induced ferroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells.Methods:The close juxial tubule epithelial cells of human renal cortex were selected and divided into 9 groups ( n=78 each) using a random number table method: control group (C group ), OGD/R group, OGD/R + 25 μmol/L ciprofol group (HC25 group), OGD/R + 50 μmol/L ciprofol group (HC50 group), OGD/R + 100 μmol/L ciprofol group (HC100 group), virus control (NC) group, OGD/R + NC group, OGD/R + ciprofol + NC group (OGD/R+ Cip+ NC group), and OGD/R + ciprofol + STING overexpression lentivirus group (OGD/R+ Cip+ OE-STING group). The OGD/R model was developed by subjecting the cells to O 2-glucose deprivation (OGD) for 4 h followed by restoration of O 2-glucose supply for 20 h. Ciprofol at a final concentration of 25, 50 and 100 μmol/L was added to the medium during OGD/R in HC25, HC50, and HC100 groups, respectively. The cells were subjected to conventional culture after infection with the control virus of the STING overexpression lentivirus in NC group. The OGD/R model was developed after the cells were infected with control virus in OGD/R+ NC group. In OGD/R+ Cip+ NC group and OGD/R+ Cip+ OE-STING group, the cells were infected with control virus and STING overexpression lentivirus, respectively, and ciprofol 50 μmol/L was added to the medium during OGD/R. Cell damage parameters included the cell viability and activity of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in supernatant. The oxidative stress parameters included the activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH). Mitochondrial damage parameters included the mitochondrial area and branch length, content of mitochondrial 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and DNA expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (mtND1, mtND2) and cytochrome oxidase (COX-1). The ferroptosis parameters included Fe 2+ content and expression of STING, ACSL4, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) protein and mRNA. Results:Compared with group C, the activity of LDH in the supernatant was significantly increased, the cell viability was decreased, the ROS activity, MDA content, and Fe 2+ content were increased, the GSH content was decreased, the expression of ACSL4, cGAS, STING, NF-κB protein and mRNA was up-regulated, the expression of GPX4 protein and mRNA was down-regulated, the content of 8-OHdG in mtDNA was increased, the DNA expression of cytoplasmic mtND1, mtND2 and COX-1 was up-regulated, and the mitochondrial area and branch length were increased in group OGD/R ( P<0.05). Compared with OGD/R group, the cell viability and GSH content were significantly increased, the MDA content and Fe 2+ content were decreased, the expression of ACSL4, cGAS, STING, NF-κB protein and mRNA was down-regulated, the expression of GPX4 protein and mRNA was up-regulated, the content of 8-OHdG in mtDNA was decreased, and the DNA expression of cytoplasmic mtND1, mtND2 and COX-1 was up-regulated in HC50 group ( P<0.05). Compared with OGD/R+ Cip+ NC group, the cell viability was significantly decreased, the ROS activity was increased, the expression of ACSL4, cGAS and NF-κB protein and mRNA was up-regulated, the expression of GPX4 protein and mRNA was down-regulated, and the DNA expression of cytoplasmic mtND1, mtND2 and COX-1 was up-regulated in OGD/R+ Cip+ OE-STING group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Ciprofol may exert cytoprotective effects by alleviating ferroptosis during OGD/R in renal tubular epithelial cells by inhibiting STING/ACSL4 signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the status of allostatic load (AL) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its influence on the clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.Methods:This was a prospective study. By using convenient sampling method, 421 patients with PCOS (PCOS group) and 372 control infertility patients (control group) in the Reproductive Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from April 2022 to January 2024 were investigated for basic information, physical examination, laboratory examination and follow-up of clinical outcomes. The total score of AL was calculated using 16 related indicators of cardiovascular system, metabolic system and immune system, and AL>3 was used as the judgment criteria for the high level AL group and the low level AL group. The differences in general data, embryo development and clinical outcomes between the groups were compared.Results:There were 222 cases (52.7%, 222/421) in PCOS low level AL group and 199 cases (47.3%, 199/421) in PCOS high level AL group. There were 214 patients (57.5%, 214/372) in the control low level AL group and 158 patients (42.5%, 158/372) in the control high level AL group. Embryo development outcomes: number of oocytes retrieved (median: 12, 12, 19, 14, respectively; P<0.001), number of two pronuclei (median: 8, 7, 11, 8, respectively; P<0.001), number of fertilization (median: 9, 9, 13, 10, respectively; P<0.001), number of metaphase of meiosis Ⅱ oocytes (median: 9, 8, 13, 10, respectively; P<0.001), number of transferable embryos (median: 5, 5, 7, 6, respectively; P<0.001), number of high-quality embryos (median: 4, 3, 6, 5, respectively; P<0.001), gonadotropin(Gn) starting dosage (median: 150, 200, 150, 200 U, respectively; P<0.001), total dosage of Gn (median: 1 800, 2 075, 1 575, 2 025 U, respectively; P<0.001), duration of Gn used (median: 10, 10, 10, 10 days, respectively; P=0.027) in the control low level AL group, control high level AL group, PCOS low level AL group and PCOS high level AL group were significantly different. Pairings between groups showed that number of oocytes retrieved, number of two pronuclei, number of fertilization, number of metaphase of meiosis Ⅱ oocytes and number of transferable embryos in PCOS high level AL group were lower than those in PCOS low level AL group (all P<0.05); Gn starting dosage and total dosage of Gn in PCOS low level AL group were lower than those in the other three groups (all P<0.05); duration of Gn used in PCOS high level AL group was higher than that PCOS low level AL group ( P<0.05). Clinical outcomes: the control low level AL group, control high level AL group, PCOS low level AL group and PCOS high level AL group underwent fresh transplantation [27.4% (57/208), 24.4% (38/156), 15.1% (32/212), 17.1% (33/193), respectively; P=0.006] and the proportion of transplanted day 5 embryos [82.7% (172/208), 77.6% (121/156), 91.0% (193/212), 86.5% (167/193), respectively; P=0.018] were statistically significant. There were no significant differences in fertilization rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate and early abortion rate among the four groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The high level of AL in PCOS patients may affect the outcomes of embryo development, and more attention should be paid to AL in PCOS patients to reduce stress.